Methods and compositions comprising non-natural amino acids

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods of detecting non-natural amino acids and polypeptides that include at least one non-natural amino acid. The non-natural amino acids, by themselves or as a part of a polypeptide, can include a wide range of functionalities, including but not limited to oxime, carbonyl, and/or hydroxylamine groups. Also disclosed herein are non-natural amino acid polypeptides that are further modified post-translationally, and methods for detecting such polypeptides.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A single stranded DNA polynucleotide-polypeptide conjugate comprising a polynucleotide covalently conjugated to a polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 26, wherein the polypeptide and polynucleotide are covalently conjugated via a non-naturally encoded amino acid in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is human growth hormone, and wherein the non-naturally encoded amino acid has the structure: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         and wherein the R group is any substituent other than one used in the twenty natural amino acids. 
       
     
     
       2. The polynucleotide-polypeptide conjugate of  claim 1  wherein the conjugate forms a dimer.